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Be alert - how to spot the most common scams

Forewarned is forearmed and there's no better way to stay safe online than by familiarising
yourself with the latest scams we are aware of. We've compiled the list below based on those
scams we are currently aware of. We'll add to them as we become aware of anything new.

Lettings verification scam

A handful of users of Rightmove have reported being in contact with a person claiming to have
an apartment available to let immediately because the owner has had to move overseas. This
person claims the property is priced significantly below market value in order to secure
suitable tenants quickly.

How it works?

In order to authenticate this process, a fake Rightmove verification service has been
created. The interested party (i.e. prospective tenant) is provided with a web page and
emails which are designed to look like they are from Rightmove claiming they have been
'approved' as a vendor by ourselves.

Rightmove does not...

Offer a verification process.

Request or accept money directly from tenants.

Do you think you have been in contact with this scam?

We recommend you to report it to Action Fraud immediately. Additionally, to report this to
ourselves at Rightmove, contacting our team at fraud@rightmove.co.uk.

Personal and Premium Rate numbers

How it works?

This scam involves asking the interested party to call a number beginning 070. The caller is
then kept on the phone for a lengthy period of time (in some cases, longer than 30 minutes),
resulting in a large phone bill. The caller may not notice the 070 number, as at first
glance it has the appearance of typical mobile phone number.

Although 070 numbers are perfectly legal, some may incur high call charges (50p a minute). If
you are asked to call a 070 number please first check with your telephone provider to
confirm the tariff. Further information is available from Ofcom or PhonepayPlus.

Do you think you have been in contact with this scam?

We recommend you to report any misuse to Ofcom or PhonepayPlus. Additionally, to report this
to ourselves at Rightmove, contacting our team at fraud@rightmove.co.uk.

Phishing emails

How it works?

Phishing emails are designed to look like they are from a legitimate company and try to trick
you to click on a link and enter a username or password, usually under the pretence that you
are confirming details. If you do, you may give a criminal valuable information.

Top tips

Most companies will never ask for your password details via an email.

Watch out for urgent warnings, bad spelling and impersonal greetings.

If in doubt, type the website into your search bar. This will take you straight to the
company's website, rather than relying on links provided in emails.

Check the email address from which the email has been received, or the websites URL
(web site address). Fraudulent email addresses and webpages are designed to look
legitimate but have subtle differences, such as including random characters in the
URL (numbers, letters or other characters such as &,%,$ or �), or will direct you to
a .com address where you would expect a .co.uk. Rightmove will always direct you to
a .co.uk address.

Do you think you have been in contact with this scam?

If you believe you have received a phishing email please do not respond and report it to
Rightmove. If you are in any doubt about an email that you have received, report this to
ourselves at Rightmove, contacting our team at fraud@rightmove.co.uk.

Phishing calls and text messages

How it works?

Like phishing emails, phishing calls and text messages are made by someone pretending to be
from a legitimate organisation. Typically, these calls and text messages will result in a
requested action, such as a request for credit card details in order to make a refund or a
request to click on a link in the text message, to reactivate an account or to advertise a
property on site.

Do you think you have been in contact with this scam?

If you are unsure about a call or a text message, do not provide any details to the caller,
and instead call our Customer Services Team on 01908 712300. Alternatively, you can contact
us at fraud@rightmove.co.uk.

Renting safely

Buying overseas

Useful links

It's a sad fact of life that things go wrong sometimes. Fortunately, if that happens to you, there are lots of places to go for help. Many of these organisations
will also be able give you even more sensible, practical advice to limit the chances of things going wrong online in the first place.